Eco Tourism Opportunities
1. Muanenguba Twin Lakes
Environmental Importance
• The Twin Lakes, the caldera itself and the forest leading to the caldera are all known to be ecologically important.
• The land is however threatened by certain agricultural methods carried out by the inhabitants in the caldera, such as grass burning and cattle grazing. It is important to work with these communities to ensure the minimum impact from these activities is inflicted on the environment. This is a big issue that must be addressed by the Council, Mborroro communities and NGOs so that we can work together to find a solution that suits all parties.
• The newly built benches have inadvertently caused a build up in rubbish at the Female Lake’s edge. This either needs to be cleared regularly or one or two rubbish bins installed (however this may increase the level of rubbish being deposited and MUST be cleared regularly.
Touristic Potential
• The site is already established as a tourist site due to the high aesthetic value of the area.
• The environment, crater lakes in grassland vegetation, is unique for the South West Province.
• The site is suitable for both day visits and longer stays. However accommodation facilities for tourists are currently limiting stay duration.
• It is possible to stay in a small traditional hut on the plain above the lake (5,000Francs per night, firewood and water provided). There are also two traditional huts by the Female lakes edge, which can be used as shelters but are in too bad a condition to be used as accommodation.
• Price of camping?
• It is also possible to set up home-stay with the local Mborroro community however this is currently not well established and is set up ad hoc.
• Toilet facilities around the lake are in the form of a basic squat toilet.
• Catering is sometimes available at the lakes however the frequency is irregular.
• Fees for the lake
• There is a lot of potential for further tourist activities once at the lake, e.g. guiding, horse riding, fishing (see future development later).
2. Bemeh and Ngole Mountains / Bemeh Rockface
Environmental
• The top of the rockface is a potentially extremely unique ecosystem. It is imperative that a survey of the ecosystem is carried out.
• The top of the rockface may be a very fragile environment and this must be considered if tours are to visit there – how the impact can be minimised (no rubbish, limited time spent, no camping, maximum number at one time, stay on a path etc) Contact Earthwatch (stayed on the mountain) to discuss the ecosystem.
• Potential degradation when climbing the rockface.
• Animals in the area: Chimpanzee, Red-eared Monkey, Preuss’ Monkey, Putty-nosed Monkey, Bush pig, Porcupine, Deer, Grass Cutter.
• Plant species: Garcinia spp, Voacanga africana (medicinal), Kola spp, Mahogany
• Local hunting of bush meat must be addressed and made sustainable to the environment.
Tourist potential
• The site is highly unique.
• The site can entertain visitors from half a day to 3 days.
• There are possibilities of home stay and camping.
• There is running water but no electricity.
• There is a small waterfall that can be cleared and used for bathing.
• Accommodation is currently basic but clean with squat toilets.
• There are local handicrafts – basket weaving and woodcarving.
• Traditional dances can be performed and traditional drums can be played.
• The locals are very friendly and welcoming.
• Potential fees are high (separate costs for treks and accommodation).
• There is potential to develop a variety of activities – treks, climbing the rockface, cooking lessons, visits to waterfalls, bird watching.
3. Lake Beme
Environmental
• Lake Beme is the richest freshwater site (relative to surface area) for fish species in the world, with nine endemic species of cichilid.
• Other notable wildlife in the area includes Porcupine, Pangolin, Chimpanzee, Gorillas, Bush Pig, Deer, Hares, Grass Cutters and a number of Birds of Prey that circle the lake. It is likely there are also other monkey species. The lake is believed to be inhabited by alligators (these are rarely seen and pose little threat to the tourists; however it is important to tell the tourists not to visit the lake at night as a precaution).
• Local hunting of bush meat must be addressed and made sustainable to the environment.
• The area also has plans for clearing large amounts of land for to be used for coco production, or rubber plantations. It is important to monitor the progress of this proposal and if it goes ahead it is extremely important to make sure the area cleared is done with as little impact as possible to the forest ecosystem. It would be ideal to find a more environmentally sustainable alternative source of income for the community.
Tourist potential
• The site can entertain tourists from half a day to about 3 days.
• There are possibilities of home stay and camping.
• There is running water but no electricity.
• There is a small waterfall around the lake.
• Accommodation is currently basic but clean with squat toilets.
• The locals are friendly and welcoming.
• There is potential to develop a variety of activities – treks, cooking lessons, visits to waterfalls, bird watching, fishing, rafting, coco production tours.
• The current fees are 5,000Francs per person to visit the lake and 10,000Francs to swim in the lake. This fee is high but this includes accommodation and food for the duration of the stay.
Research potential
• The research potential is very high and this can be seen by a number of researchers already having visited the area. It is important to have a different pricing system for researchers who will be staying for long term.
• Chimpanzees and Gorillas in the area will also be a draw for researchers and conservationists.
